How often does everyone calibrate...

wobbegong · 05-05-2008, 03:23 PM

Just wondering how often everyone calibrates there refractometers...

**Deepwater** · 05-05-2008, 03:53 PM

Im always doing water changes , so every month or so. but tha tis me. I think it should be done once a month to be on the safe side. JMO

gonzapa · 05-05-2008, 04:20 PM

Calibrate? who needs that?

wobbegong · 05-05-2008, 04:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gonzapa

Calibrate? who needs that?

Ohh Sorry Mr. Reef Expert !
You probably still use the glass tube hydrometer that you float in the tank..

wobbegong · 05-05-2008, 04:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Deepwater

Im always doing water changes , so every month or so. but tha tis me. I think it should be done once a month to be on the safe side. JMO

Yeah If you use it often once a month it should be done to get accurate readings..
Are you using distilled to calibrate ?

bschuerman · 05-05-2008, 05:40 PM

I check accuracy every 2 weeks and if needed calibrate. I think this is all based on the reliability of your instrument if it is a pricey one chances are it stays calibrated for quite a while. Mine is cheapo so I calibrate and check it regularly as it is not the best instrument.

**Deepwater** · 05-05-2008, 06:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wobbegong

Yeah If you use it often once a month it should be done to get accurate readings..
Are you using distilled to calibrate ?

no , just fresh RO water. I test the tanks 1st , x2 times , then do the refarct 2 times as well. then check the tanks one more time to make sure everythings comes in the same reading , if it doesnt , ill recal it again

I also have the cheaper ones, But seems to be working fine for 5 yrs now

wobbegong · 05-05-2008, 06:31 PM

Yeah I think its always good to have a second or a backup just to compare.

psychographic · 05-05-2008, 10:29 PM

I change 5 gallons of water religiously every Sunday and since my refractometer drifted off calibration months ago, I calibrate it each week just before testing my new water.

fishkeeper · 05-05-2008, 10:39 PM

before every use